MP Candidate Shazna Muzammil commits to Ladywood Unite 6 asks

Dear Members of the Ladywood Unite Executive Committee,

Thank you for your crucial role in advocating for the residents of Ladywood. I deeply appreciate the time you dedicated to our meeting, as well as the insights shared by the lady in Church. It’s evident that the uncertainty you all face is unjust. The community is grappling with significant challenges due to the proposed regeneration plans. I am grateful for the opportunity to outline how I plan to support and represent the interests of Ladywood if elected.

1. Meet with representatives of Ladywood Unite both before and after the election to form the basis of future engagement.

I am dedicated to establishing an ongoing dialogue with Ladywood Unite, scheduling regular consultations to ensure that all community voices are not only heard but are central to shaping our collaborative response. I believe that representatives from within the residents should have a seat at the table in ongoing discussions surrounding the regeneration plans, and I will advocate strongly for this inclusion. 

2. Work to stop compulsory purchase and demolition of freehold houses, good quality and new homes including leasehold houses, and churches

I am acutely aware of the deep concerns regarding the potential loss of homes and community spaces. As your MP, I will not stand idly by while our community is uprooted. I will staunchly oppose any compulsory purchase and demolition that does not have clear, demonstrable benefits for the residents or that fails to provide adequate and just compensations and alternatives. I will advocate for a complete reassessment of these plans, aiming for a community-led approach. Furthermore, I will push for alternatives that consider preserving and enhancing communal structures like the church rather than demolishing it. 

3. Work to prevent the displacement of a diverse and vibrant community, aiming to preserve community and family networks across generations.

From my observations and the residents I have had the privilege to meet, it is clear that the heart of Ladywood lies in its community, its people, and its diversity. I am committed to preserving this by ensuring that any development respects and enhances these ties, preventing displacement and safeguarding the unique social fabric of our area. Your community and family networks are the backbone of Ladywood, and I am dedicated to their preservation.

4. Work to redress power imbalances favouring a luxury developer and the council over residents, advocating for residents to be able to make decisions about their future:

I pledge to challenge any unfair practices by developers or the council. It is crucial that developers engaging with Ladywood are reputable and have a history of responsible community engagement. I will push for transparency, accountability, and significant resident involvement in every step of the regeneration process.

5. Work to provide clarity and commitment on plans for social and affordable housing, aiming to update current plans offering no social housing at all, and supporting accelerating repairs for properties that need them now:

I will work tirelessly to ensure that the redevelopment plans include a substantial proportion of social and affordable housing. It is unacceptable for current plans to disregard the needs of those who require these accommodations most. I will push for immediate action on repairing existing properties that residents depend on and holding the council accountable for not meeting decent homes standards. 

6. Raise the matters affecting us in the House of Commons, especially the need to close viability loopholes in planning and strengthening diverse community input early on in, and throughout regeneration planning

Using my position, should I be elected, I will advocate for legislative changes that close planning loopholes and enhance community participation, ensuring that Ladywood’s voice is heard loud and clear in Parliament.

I have also read your long list of questions submitted by residents, and I would like to reiterate that if elected, I will bring this to the table and restart this process with resident-led plans being drawn up with the council. The involvement of residents in these conversations is paramount, and I support forming a steering group that includes residents and skilled individuals who can contribute positively to the regeneration process.

While it may seem like electoral timing has spurred interest in Ladywood’s regeneration, the truth is that meaningful involvement can only begin with election to office. It is concerning that your current MP has not engaged as expected. This election presents an opportunity for change, and I am here, openly committing to that change.

Please consider my candidacy as one dedicated to real change, genuine engagement, and the well-being of every Ladywood resident.

Thank you once again for this vital dialogue and I’m here if you need. 

Warm regards,

Shaz Muzammil 

Shazna Muzammil 

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Birmingham Ladywood

W: Shazna Muzammil | Parliamentary Candidate for Birmingham

Twitter: @Shazna_Muzammil